Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, called the bluffs of Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo over Edo movement ban that igniting backlash.
This followed the stance by Okpebholo recently mandated Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State, citing security concerns.
Okpebholo had said that Obi’s visit to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences on June 7, where he donated N15 million for the completion of projects in the school, coincided with the resurgence of violence and the killing of three persons.
But, speaking in an interview at Christ The King College (CKC) fund raising event by Old Boys Association of the school on Thursday July 24th 2025, Obi insisted that he will visit any part of Nigeria, including Edo State anytime he wants.
The former Governor of Anambra State, advised Governor Okpebholo to channel his energy into productive ventures, and commend lawful citizens who contribute to public development, rather than issuing threats to Nigerians.
After dismissing Okpebholo’s claim, Obi donated the sum of N50 million on behalf of the school’s Old Boys to the school, and frowned at unnecessary politically motivated warning.
He insisted that he does not need permission from anyone to visit any part of Nigeria.
According to him, “I am use to receiving threats. I will go to Edo State anytime I want”.
Recall that Okpebholo had stirred the hornet nest after warning that Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State, citing security concerns, amid outrage.
Prominent Nigerians, including Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana and pressure groups, had berated the Governor over what they described as a direct threat to Obi’s life and a dangerous precedent for Nigerian democracy.
